About

• The University
• At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
• Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
• We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.
• Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.
• The Role and the Department
• The Life Science Support Unit (LSSU) has had an active role within the research community here at Durham University for over 50 years and facilitates research projects across various disciplines. As a major research support facility, it currently houses and supports research and expertise from neuroscience, agritechnology, anthropology, biology, chemistry and ecology, and has been providing both Polyclonal and Monoclonal antibody production services to a range of both academic research groups and commercial partners for over 20 years.
• The LSSU is a multi-species facility and can provide for aquatics, rodent and rabbit husbandry. We have a range of housing options available from conventional to IVCs and isolator units, depending upon researcher need and colony requirements.
• The job role involves laboratory animal husbandry and welfare, knowledge of relevant Health and Safety regulations, and working under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The role holder will be expected to hold a PIL AB/ABC licence and have experience in rabbit, fish and rodent management. You will be able to work on tasks individually and as part of a team. The role involves undertaking animal husbandry duties including cleaning and daily care, welfare and environmental enrichment of stock and experimental animals. Support and assist research staff.
• The successful applicant will be expected to work weekends and during closure periods on a rota basis.
• Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University

• • You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• • You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• • Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• • We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• • We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• • Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• • If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• • We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
• Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
• Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.
• As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
• We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

• What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for

• Qualifications/Experience
• 1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• 2. Experience of working in a similar environment and working with other more specialist technicians or researchers.
• 3. Experience of working in a team providing advice and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders.
• 4. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
• Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
• 5. Good spoken and written communication skills.
• 6. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including [the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems]
• 7. Knowledge relevant to the role ideally supported by relevant courses or certifications, including a PIL under A(SP)A.
• 8. Committed to continuing professional development.
• 9. Knowledge of health and safety issues such as risk assessments and safe working practices.
• 10. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
• Desirable Criteria
• 11. Hold or be working towards L3 IAT Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science
• 12. Experience with other species in a laboratory environment
• How to apply
• To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
• While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
• Submitting your application
• We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails

What you are required to submit

• A CV
• A covering letter which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
• Contact details
• If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Adele Kitching would be happy to speak to you adele.kitching@durham.ac.uk
• Typical Role Requirements
• Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
• Service Delivery
• · Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• · Provide an excellent and timely service to our researchers and commercial partners
• · Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role such as animal welfare and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions.
• · Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required.
• · Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
• · When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards for example A(SP)A, Health and Safety legislation
• · Draft and distribute subject specific technical information.
• · Provide guidance to others to make sure technical equipment is used safely.
• · Follow and provide guidance on health and safety requirements which are relevant to your role.
• Research Support
• · Set-up and prepare equipment and resources within the LSSU to carry out research activities and for external clients including procedural work as outlined in project licenses to meet sector and professional body standards.
• · Contribute to the construction and/or repair of equipment including isolators, individually ventilated cages, autoclaves and centrifuges under the supervision of more experienced staff.
• · Provide instruction and demonstrations to users of the LSSU and oversee the safe use of a wide range of physical and digital equipment and tools.
• · Liaise with academic staff and students to identify practical resources and equipment (including animals, consumables and surgical requirements) necessary to meet project outputs.
• Teamwork
• · Help your colleagues to organise, plan and prepare for new research projects and contribute to team planning activities.
• · Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• · Help your colleagues to carry out regular safety checks including visual inspections equipment within the LSSU.
• · Help your team provide safe, secure and appropriate research environments.
• · Help to carry out and complete risk assessments and follow established procedures when responding to potentially harmful situations.
• Communication/Liaison
• · Seek feedback from research staff and external partners on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met.
• · Record information for example animal welfare, environmental information and respond to queries which you receive.
• · Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• · Liaise with external partners for example the Named Veterinary Surgeon and external clients to ensure a smooth and efficient service.
• · Any other reasonable duties.
• Useful links
• If you would like further information you may find the following will help
• Animal Research - Durham University
• Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
• When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.